Nemanja Vidic boasts a very unique place in Premier League history. He’s one of just two defenders to ever win the division’s Player of the Year award and just one of three players to claim the accolade twice. Rather tellingly of the high esteem he was held in, the other two are Arsenal’s all-time top scorer Thierry Henry and serial Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Indeed, the beautiful game has become obsessed with attacking players, their defensive counterparts falling by the wayside. Whilst attackers are constantly praised for their brilliance with the ball, defensive-minded players are judged superficially on the mistakes they make. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see N’Golo Kante lift this season’s Player of the Year award – and that’s why it’s so exceptional Vidic, who will take part in ICONS of Football 2017 at The Belfry this summer, claimed it twice in the space of three years.

The retired Serbian international will be remembered as a Manchester United icon and a Premier League great, lifting a staggering five titles and winning the Champions League during his nine years at Old Trafford. However, had it not been for a career-impacting injury in 2011/12, Vidic’s reputation could be encroaching an even higher level right now, verging upon the much-fabled status of a true football legend.

The season prior, Vidic had claimed the Player of the Year award for a second time, starting all but three matches as Manchester United lifted the Premier League title. His role as United’s imperious stopper was vital and at this point, his duties alongside Rio Ferdinand were well established – he’d attack the ball, Ferdinand would sweep behind. There were few, if any, better in world football at those roles and thus their partnership had reached near impenetrable proportions.

But the next campaign saw Vidic make just six Premier League appearances as injury problems took their toll, starting with the first game of the season against West Brom when he was forced off with a calf problem. He was sidelined for five weeks but could only return briefly after missing several important games. After twisting his knee in December, he remained out of action for the rest of the season.

Vidic returned the season after to lift his final Premier League title but wasn’t the same player. He’d become a rotation option alongside Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans and there was a sudden element of static to his game, one that the ageing Ferdinand could no longer compensate for.

Ferdinand left in the subsequent summer as David Moyes took the helm; Vidic stayed on for another year, but was eventually pushed out of the Old Trafford exit door too. His departure was honoured by three standing ovations on the final day of the season – the first when his name was announced before kickoff, the second when he came on as a substitute and the third upon his inaugural touch of the ball.

Vidic headed for the San Siro, signing for an iconic club in Inter Milan, but struggled to adapt to the Italian game. Niggling injuries continued to be a factor and 18 months into his two-season tenure, Inter terminated his contract by mutual consent. A few weeks later, the commanding Serb retired at the age of 33 – incredibly young for a centre-back who had never relied on pace, especially one of such established and well-proven quality.

The injury-plagued final five years of Vidic’s career makes you wonder what could have been, had he not twisted his knee in a Champions League clash with FC Basel in December 2011. He could have remained at truly world-class level for the rest of his career, he could have brought more Premier League titles to Old Trafford and he could have made David Moyes’ life a hell of a lot easier. He could still be playing today, helping keep United at the division’s summit.

They say it’s better to burn out than fade away and there’s still no question Vidic will be remembered as one of the best. Had it not been for that fateful injury, however, he could be remembered as the very, very best.

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